New Orleans is an American City with few peers in terms of personality converging with history. On the walls of one Bourbon Street restaurant there is a quote:

"America has only three great cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland."

While there are many other fine cities, New Orleans is special. More than just Mardi Gras, New Orleans has an indomitable spirit and style.

Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans watches over the city as its Patron Saint.

A gift from France in 1953, this gilded statue portrays the defender of Orléans in a victorious pose.

No matter what time of year New Orleans is always an active place. And the food is slap yo mamma good. You can have a crawfish étoufèe at The Royal House or stop for a historic Po' Boy at Mother's on Poydras Street. Mother's is an honorary TUN tavern, as multiple children of the proprietors have served in the Marines. This cafeteria-style classic dive has been slinging some of the worlds best ham for over 80 years.

The French Quarter has lost none of its charm.

Lit by gas lamps and surrounded by ornate steel balconies, the iconic neighborhood is easy to fall in love with.

Laffitte's Blacksmith shop Bar has some of the best local lore of any place on Bourbon Street.

The alleged pirate brothers Lafitte once used this location for their smuggling operations. Now a popular watering hole, there have been many ghost sitings at the fireplace of a man dressed in colonial era attire.

Frenchmen Street is a fabulous place to catch live music any time of the day.

The Spotted Cat Music Club is a perfect dive bar to catch the local Jazz and Blues scenes. Be warned, they have a 1 drink per set minimum posted at the door.